Calico Cat's Post-Dental Recovery Shows Just How Much Patience Pays Off
Recovering from a dental procedure can be an adjustment for pets, and it often requires a little extra patience from both cats and their people. Healing isn't something that happens all at once, and progress isn't always immediate. Often it's a slow process that adds up over time.
In this video, we meet a Calico cat who is getting home after having dental surgery. It takes her some time to settle in, and it might look like things aren't great at first. But it's a reassuring reminder that cats do things on their own terms, and having understanding and patience can make a big difference. Take a look!
@patches.lima Everything is good again… for now Her follow up vet appointment is next week Wish us luck #calicocat#cataftersurgery#scaredycat#catsurgeryrecovery#petcare
original sound - Patches
The TikTok video from @patches.lima shows a beautiful Calico cat named Patches who recently underwent a procedure that required some downtime, and she handled it as well as any kitty could.
In the clip, we see Patches act like any other cat would, feeling a little betrayed, confused, and with a sprinkle of pain, and it's heartbreaking for a cat parent. She kept her distance, hid under the bed, wouldn't let her mama come near for cuddles, and it took a few days for her to settle and not run when she began to feel a little better. By day 3, Mama was able to pet Patches, and by day 5, she gave her cuddle privileges again.
Related: Adult Calico Cat Still Tries To Fit in Her Tiny Favorite Sleeping Spot
In the comments, so many messages flooded in for Patches, hoping she'd feel like her normal self again soon. Some comments included, "Yeah, they realize sooner or later that they feel better with the procedure," "Plus, she is Calico. 10 times harder," "If anybody can hold a grudge, it's a cat," "Whoa, that's a long time until you were fully forgiven," and "Same here. She had dental surgery yesterday, and she's the same reaction."
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How To Help a Cat Recover Comfortably After Dental Surgery, According to Vets
It's never easy to see our cats not feeling well or stressed out during healing, but it's a reality that will likely happen at some point. If you're in a position to nurse your kitty after dental surgery, there are some things you can do for their recovery.
Veterinary Dental Specialists says it's important to have a safe space for your cat when they get home to heal, and the first thing is a "safe and secluded" spot where they can rest without being disturbed. It's important to keep your cat separate from other animals while ensuring they still have access to everything they need, such as a litter box, food, and water.
It can also be really challenging to notice when your cat's feeling any pain, so keep that in mind. The specialists say that some signs of pain in your cat include hiding in places they don't normally go to, being reluctant to eat or drink, being extra tired, or not grooming themselves. Anything that's outside their normal might indicate that they're experiencing pain and discomfort beyond what any of the pain medication they were prescribed is helping. That's a good time to call up the vet and chat.
Then it's just a matter of love and patience, and soon enough, your beloved cat will be back to their happiest self.
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This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 6:40 PM.